The abundant natural and cultural potential of Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, which is both exotic and challenging, serves as a strength to attract special-interest tourists.
These potentials appeal to researchers and adventure tourism enthusiasts eager to explore.
Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, an expert team member of the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), views the packaging of special interest tourism as an opportunity worth developing.
Unfortunately, efforts to revamp the tourism sector in Murung Raya are still hindered by accessibility, connectivity, and a lack of supporting infrastructure.
Visitors who wish to come to Bumi Tira Tangka Balang must currently fly into North Barito airport and then continue by land to Puruk Cahu, the capital of Murung Raya Regency, a 2.5-hour journey.
Tourists arriving through Palangkaraya must travel overland for 6-7 hours to reach Murung Raya.
“This situation is certainly exhausting and requires considerable costs,” she said during the Final Focus Group Discussion on the Compilation of the Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (Ripparda) for Murung Raya Regency at GPU Tira Tangka Balang, Monday (Nov. 11).
Thus, in this FGD, Dr. Raharjana encouraged the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office to complete the Compilation of the Ripparda for Murung Raya Regency into an Academic Paper and a Draft Regional Regulation for Ripparda 2025–2034.
Dr. Raharjana strongly hopes that this tourism sector development document can serve as a guideline for all stakeholders.
“We hope for communication with the Ministry of Tourism, particularly in the field of special interest tourism destinations, to bring attention to Murung Raya,” she explained.
For Dr. Raharjana, the allure of waterfalls and preserved natural beauty has the potential to be promoted in a segmented manner.
As a researcher, he encourages the regional government to engage the younger generation, especially those active in social media communities.
He acknowledges that the presence of young people has greatly helped the development of tourism in Murung Raya through various videos and reviews produced by social media enthusiasts.
“They have documented various tourist attractions, and Puspar UGM has identified 105 tourist attractions, some of which we sourced from social media. The regional government can involve these social media communities when exploring several destinations to help promote them to the current generation. As tourism evolves, different promotional styles are needed,” Dr. Raharjana said.
Dr. Hermon, Acting Regent of Murung Raya, stated that, in terms of supply, Murung Raya’s tourist attractions are not inferior to those of other regions.
Murung Raya Regency excels in its diverse range of natural and cultural tourism products, which remain authentic.
“As previously mentioned, we are limited by accessibility. We have the Equatorial Monument as a landmark, but not everyone knows about it. Why are other regions progressing in tourism development? Because their locations are easily accessible by various means, whether by land, sea, or air. Moreover, they are supported by adequate tourism facilities and infrastructure,” he explained.
Another Puspar UGM researcher, Wijaya, revealed that 105 tourist attractions in Murung Raya Regency are spread across 10 districts.
Tanah Siang District has the most tourist attractions, with 33 locations (31%), followed by Murung District with 20 attractions (19%). The district with the fewest attractions is Barito Tuhup Raya, with 3 locations (3%).
Natural attractions dominate, accounting for 71 sites (68%), followed by cultural tourism with 25 locations (24%), and man-made attractions with 9 locations (9%). “Of the 105 tourist attractions, five key attractions are based on the Tourism Attraction Assessment Criteria,” he stated.
Wijaya highlighted several tourist sites with the potential to attract visitors, including Sapan Park, Datah Bendu Bathing Place, Liang Pandan Waterfall, Batu Notok Cangkang Waterfall, Pasir Putih City Park, and Apat-Bantian and Konut Longhouses.
In this context, the UGM Center for Tourism Studies proposed the zoning of two Regency Tourism Destinations, two Regency Tourism Development Areas (KPPK), and two Regency Tourism Strategic Areas (KSPK).
The two KSPKs in Murung Raya are KSPK 1, Puruk Cahu City and its surroundings, which focuses on city tour development supported by shopping, sports, and culinary tourism, and KSPK 2, Karali—Saripoi—Cangkang and its surroundings, which focuses on aquatic and adventure mountain tourism, cultural tourism, and culinary tourism.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya